SAG-AFTRA Chicago COVID-19 Notification

Dear Member, 

 
Fox/Disney notified cast and crew today that a production member for the show neXt, which wrapped production at Cinespace last week, has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
 
SAG-AFTRA is in the process of contacting our members who have worked at Cinespace and/or in a local network series the past two weeks to inform them of the situation and encourage them to follow CDC-recommended safety precautions. These members are being instructed to contact their medical provider and production should they experience a fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Disney is working with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to identify and notify anyone who may have come in direct contact with the production crew member.
 
Cinespace has retained additional personnel to disinfect and clean all contact surfaces, offices, common areas and stages and is committed to fully adhering to health directives issued by the City of Chicago.
 
Your safety and wellbeing is most important to us. Chicago is busy with productions including commercials, network television series, local news and independent films in multiple locations and work will go on. It is important that we all do our part to prevent the spread of the virus. 
 
As we announced on Monday, out of an abundance of caution for your safety, all nonessential meetings in the Chicago Local have been cancelled or postponed until further notice. This includes all Local Board, committee, conservatory, training and external union or industry events attended by SAG-AFTRA staff. We also strongly recommend that members follow recommendations from the CDC regarding travel, enhanced hygiene and social-distancing practices, which can be found here. 
 
All other functions of the union will continue as normal. We will continue to have regular business hours to provide member services. We do ask if you are sick in any way or caring for someone who is sick at home to please not come to the office in person. As this situation develops, we will notify you of any and all updates.
 
If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact your Chicago staff to assist you at (312) 867-5508. If you need to reach someone after business hours, please don’t hesitate to call (855) SAG-AFTRA. This phone number along with the emergency safety hotline is on the back of your membership card and on your member app.
 
Thank you for your patience and understanding. 
 
In unity,
 
Charles Andrew Gardner
SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local President
 
Eric Chaudron
SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local Executive Director